Vladimir Tarasenko Embraces Fresh Start with Wild After Difficult Season

Key facts

• Tarasenko scored 11 goals in 80 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season.
• He was traded to the Minnesota Wild in July for future considerations.
• Tarasenko has 304 career NHL goals and 553 points in 644 regular-season games with St. Louis.
• He scored 25 goals in 51 career games against the Wild while with the Blues.
• Wild coach John Hynes hand-washed and returned containers after a visit to Tarasenko's Florida home.
• Tarasenko will make his Wild debut on Thursday in St. Louis, where he played 10.5 seasons.

A New Chapter in Minnesota

Vladimir Tarasenko did not expect such a warm welcome from his new team, the Minnesota Wild, a former Central Division rival. The 14-year NHL veteran was acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in an offseason trade for future considerations, essentially a salary dump after a disappointing season. Now, he will make his Wild debut in the opener on Thursday, fittingly in St. Louis, the city where he played his first 10 and a half seasons. “I wouldn’t expect this from my career before, maybe five or six years ago, but I can’t complain,” Tarasenko said. “It’s a new chapter for us. It’s a very good group of people here, and so far I’ve been helped almost like never before. Everything’s been smooth. I’ll say it one more time: When it’s a good group of guys, it makes things very easy.”

From Rival to Teammate

Tarasenko was once a nemesis for the Wild, scoring 25 goals in 51 career games against them during his time with the St. Louis Blues, including 12 in three playoff series. Overall, he has 48 points in 54 games against Minnesota, his highest total against any opponent. Now, the Wild are counting on his offensive firepower, especially with veterans Mats Zuccarello (lower body) and Nico Sturm (back) on injured reserve for significant portions of the season. “We offer a guy like him a lot of good players to play with,” general manager Bill Guerin said. “I know he’s motivated.”

Proving Himself Again

Tarasenko is coming off a tough season with the Detroit Red Wings, scoring just 11 goals in 80 games. The two-time Stanley Cup champion is entering the final year of his contract and feels the need to prove himself once more. “The feeling when you can prove something, if you can for people who do not believe in you, it’s priceless,” he said. He has faced skepticism throughout his career, including claims that his success was due to his father, Andrei, a former Russian Olympic hockey player and coach. “When I was young, people always said I played because of my dad,” Tarasenko said. “I made the KHL before my dad was the coach, but people still said, ‘Oh, he’s there because of his dad.’ … It’s been my whole life of this. Some injuries I’ve been through, it wasn’t my fault; it was just bad luck. You have to recover and prove yourself. Last year doesn’t go so well. So it’s an experience, and I’ve got to prove myself again.”

Family Roots and Mentorship

Tarasenko’s upbringing in Yaroslavl, Russia, was shaped by his grandparents, as his father was often away with hockey. His grandfather, Vladimir, attended every game and practice, taking the bus with him to the rink regardless of weather. In a Player’s Tribune article, Tarasenko recalled a thermometer reading minus-30 Celsius at the rink. His grandfather and father, both now deceased, were his hockey “compass,” teaching him mental toughness and a never-give-up attitude. “Never give up,” Tarasenko said. “The competitive spirit. Him and my dad always said, ‘Whatever you do, if you’re committed, you need to work 100 percent. Sometimes, things don’t go your way. Just trust your work.’”

Opportunity and Pressure

Tarasenko is expected to start on a line with Joel Eriksson Ek and Liam Ohgren, and he will also mentor Russian prospect Danila Yurov. The Wild have three other Russians on the roster: star Kirill Kaprizov, rookie Danila Yurov, and third-line left wing Yakov Trenin. Tarasenko embraces the pressure to perform. “The feeling when you can prove something, if you can for people who do not believe in you, it’s priceless,” he said. Former teammate Kevin Shattenkirk expressed confidence in Tarasenko’s ability to thrive in Minnesota. “Vladi is going to thrive in that situation,” Shattenkirk said. Tarasenko, who has 304 career goals, is determined to show he still has plenty left.

The bottom line

• Tarasenko aims to rebound from a career-low 11-goal season with the Red Wings.
• He will make his Wild debut in St. Louis, where he spent 10.5 seasons and won a Stanley Cup.
• The Wild acquired Tarasenko for future considerations, a low-risk move for a proven scorer.
• Tarasenko's mentorship of Russian prospect Danila Yurov adds depth to the Wild's roster.
• He has a history of strong performances against the Wild, with 25 goals in 51 games.
• Tarasenko's family background and upbringing have instilled a resilient mindset.